Wednesday, September 10, 2014

I often forget how pigeon toed I actually am until I am looking over pictures. The one above clearly shows off how naturally my toes love to touch. When I was younger, it was way worse on one foot, but more recently it has evened out pretty swimmingly. For many years I thought this was yet another body flaw I had to worry about, as if my tummy and tights weren't already enough. Then something strange happened.

My boyfriend, Zachary, mentioned when looking at a photograph of my awkward leg position, "I think it's pretty cute". Wait, really? I thought this was a shortcoming, something to hide away and correct until the imperfection was gone. Then came the "ah ha!" moment. Our imperfections are a part of us. While some of them can be fixed, we cannot magically photoshop ourselves like they do so often in media. And guess what! If you find someone who loves you, it doesn't matter if one eye is larger than the other or if your arms are too hairy. It is these small details that girls and women alike fret over on a constant basis, but listen up,

IT IS OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT!!

Having varying characteristics is what makes us interesting! Even though we are told hide our bodies and be ashamed of anything outside the mold, it is time to give up that train of thought. It is extremely unhealthy. So for once in our lives, let's enjoy our bodies and be happy for everything we have been given!

Cardigan- Forever 21

Shirt- Target

Belt- Forever 21

Skirt- Forever 21

Tights- H&M

Boots- Bass

Camera Bag- Ona

Also, how beautiful is this camera bag from Ona? I seriously want all their bags... so much beauty and needed function in one item!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Boy oh boy does it feel lovely to be wearing a pair of tights. I have truly missed them all summer, especially when it was extremely hot out and my legs would chafe together. The struggle is real! haha. Plus it means fall is coming! Which I have noticed around the web that every person I know is also super excited for the season change this year.

When picking out this outfit I really wanted to look comfy, but cute at the same time. While these colors, early autumn neutrals, scream cozy to me, this dress is just a wee bit short. Which gave me something to worry about all day, even with shorts on underneath, it is not the best situation. I actually often have this problem with Forever 21 dresses, and their skirts-- forget about it! Luckily H&M normally has similar styles and similar prices but with a little added length.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about inner happiness and how often the inner-self is forgotten. This is why, this month, I am going to work extra hard to make sure I am happy. This includes eating healthier, working out, hanging out with family more, and finding new music. What do you do to lift your spirits on a daily basis?

Friday, September 5, 2014

Time is a silly thing. Truly the only thing in our lives that is a constant. No matter what happens in ones life, time is always passing, changing. Unfortunately, there never seems to be enough of it! I have recently felt like the picture of this ideal American that has so much going on that they forget to relax and enjoy life. I am ready to take a step back, if only a small one.

Hopefully once school settles back in I can find a routine that is not quite as insane as it is now. I need to remember that it is okay to sit down with a good book for an hour or to watch an episode of QI or two (if you haven't seen this show... seriously the best).

Yesterday was a bit more relaxing day for me as I didn't have work. I dressed up cute, prepared to take some pictures and headed over with the boyfriend to his family's marina. It is so beautiful there that is reminded me to take a breath and remember that everything will be okay.

Also, when is the weather going to cool down?! It was burning hot these past few days. I just want to wear my Frye boots!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

I recently became aware of DSQUARED2, which is a design house started by Dean and Dan Caten. These guys are absolutely amazing, if you haven't heard of these designers before, check out their youtube channel, they are brilliant, especially their happy video. As I was browsing through their A/W 14 line I stumbled upon a video lookbook they made for pre-fall;

I love how the video is totally spooky, which makes me excited for Halloween in October (which happens to be my favorite holiday!). I also love how the creepiness of the scenery and the twitching of the models is in complete contrast with the adorable 60's mod outfits. I am especially pining over that maroon shift dress!

Watching/viewing all the pre-fall lookbooks gets me so excited for the coming cold weather! I can't wait to drink tea, snuggle in warm blankets, and sit around the fireplace.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

What a busy week! I'm happy to say that today is finally my day off. Nothing is better than a lazy Sunday spent with family.

This is the outfit I wore yesterday to work. This is really typical for when I am trying to be comfortable. This Urban dress, which I actually found at the Goodwill, has been a staple all Summer long. I usually try to avoid strapless dresses because pulling up my dress 500 times a day never ceases to drive me insane. Luckily this one never falls! I have no idea why, but I love it! I also really enjoy how the hem is longest at the front and back, but shorter on the sides. It is really a great style for us tall gals that have a hard time finding garments to cover our rear ends properly.

Coming up in a month I will be heading to a renaissance festival! I wish I could explain how excited I am considering this will be my first experience at one. I've already been planning my medieval outfit which will consist of my black velvet top, peasant top, and a long skirt. If anyone has any tips for me about this type of event, let me know!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Ah, the first week of school. It has been bitter sweet because, on Tuesday, I had my last first day of school. I will definitely miss my university next year, but right now I am already swimming in homework and not to happy about it.

Of course, dressing up in cute outfits always brightens my mood! Wearing one of my comfiest dresses and a summer cardigan. I also just bought this hat! I have been dying for a brown one for a while, and when I saw this one at Urban Outfitters it was love at first sight. Nothing says "perfect outfit" quite like a nice hat, comfy dress, and cozy socks. Of course a warm and fuzzy cardigan is a lovely staple piece as well, but not in this burning hot weather we have been having.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Hi everyone. I recently ran across this lady's blog, Love Limzy. She makes really cool art using flower petals. They have a sort of vintage feel to them and remind me of something a trendy designer would draw up in the studio. Most of all I think her designs really speak for themselves so check out some of my favorite ones!

Aren't they simply lovely? She does a lot of other designs besides the dresses, but these ones are certainly more to my taste. Luckily prints are sold online, I think I could use a few around my room! Make sure to check out her shop if you like any as well!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Whenever I wear this lacy black cardigan with the fringe on the bottom I can't stop myself from singing old Fleetwood Mac songs around the house all day. Sometimes I wish my whole closet resembled clothing that personify who Stevie Nicks is. I love the dark boho-chic look, especially Stevie's wardrobe for this past season of American Horror Story: Coven. She is such an inspiration and still so stunning today.

I also am in love with the print on this dress and the fact that it is a high-low dress. Since I am tall I often have a hard time finding dresses that cover my butt up and are comfortable to wear around all day. Luckily this is one of them with a lower hemline in the back!

School starts next week, I have such bittersweet feelings about it. Oh well though, last semester! Huzzah!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Hello mates! I was feeling that it has been way too long since I posted a DIY post on the blog. Therefore, today I am going to teach you how to make a really adorable watermelon top. Follow the instructions and have fun!

* When working with dye, make sure to wear gloves so your fingers do not get stained.

* Either newspaper or plastic bags can work to prevent any stains on your work surface

Step One: Once you have a solid white top to work with, take your tape and make a horizontal line for where you want the pink dye to end and the green dye to start. Watermelons are mainly pink so make sure to place that line near the top!

Step Two: Now your dye should have directions on it, but I used one tablespoon of dye per cup of hot water. Place your tablespoon of dye into your pipette bottle. Boil or heat water in the microwave for 3 minutes and pour into pipette bottle. Make sure to give your bottle a good stir or shake before applying dye to shirt

Step Three: Once you are done applying the pink dye with your pipette bottle, remove tape and mix up your green dye the same way you did with the pink. Make sure to thoroughly coat the shirt, you don't want any blank spaces! However, I left a slight gap between the pink and green so it could fade together and look more natural.

Step Four: Once done dying, hang up your top to dry for at least three hours. Once the shirt is almost dry, place in washing machine on gentle cycle with cold water. Tumble dry with low heat.

*If the top is dripping dye you can lay out a garbage bag flat on the ground to prevent staining the floor.

Your shirt should look something like this once out of the dryer!

Step Five: Take your black fabric marker and draw on the seeds of the watermelon. I made mine into little tear drop shapes.

You can either do a lot of seeds or a few, whichever you think looks better. Allow fabric marker to dry before wearing.

Step Six: Head out in your new adorable top and enjoy the last month of summer!

This simple process can also be done of white dresses, white shorts, and white skirts! It is really simple and turns out pretty adorable. If you have any questions about this DIY, please ask here or shoot me an e-mail, I'd be glad to help!